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Cabinet members have given their backing to the proposal and a final decision is expected next year.

The memorial garden features a war memorial which was erected in the first half of the 20th century. There is also a second carved wall memorial which was unveiled in 2009 and charts the names of Tunstall's 648 war dead.

The new carved war memorial at Tunstall Memorial Garden

Councillor Anthony Munday, the council’s armed forces champion, said: “This extra level of protection effectively guarantees the future of the park as a memorial garden. It also addresses public concern around the long-term sustainability of the site given increased interest in development in Tunstall.

“Having the covenant protects what is a great tribute to those who died for the country and is particularly significant given that it is 100 years since the First World War. There has been a warm reception for the idea and we want to preserve it for future generations. This will help us to do exactly that.”

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The covenant is being drawn up to coincide with the centenary of the Royal Air Force on April 1, 2018 and to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent's links to Spitfire designer Reginald Mitchell.

TVPT secretary Linda Tweats said: “Final details are being considered to look at how we can make the covenant happen. If all goes according to plan, this would be of great benefit to the people of Tunstall. We hope to make a decision by the end of January.”